With a shamrock, more often than not, shaved into the back of his head, his out-spoken nature and his genuine likeability as a man and boxer - it's a shame Gary (or more commonly known as Spike) O'Sullivan hasn't been in the ring more often over the years to prove what he is more than capable of. However, he's determined to set that straight; now targeting a world title shot, within an ever competitive Middleweight division, in this calendar year.  

More immediately though, he will fight again in the USA on the undercard to Andre Dirrell and James DeGale's bout. As you can imagine, the Americans, especially in the predominantly Irish City of Boston, love a live-wire Irish boxer and, this man does not disappoint on that front. 

This writer had the chance to ask Spike O'Sullivan some questions prior to his Saturday night bout against Melvin Betancourt:

VAVEL: Are we any closer to you getting the fight you want against Eubank Jr.? 

Spike O'Sullivan: "No closer to Eubank fight, I don't think he truly fancies it." 

V: Considering the grudge between you and [Anthony] Fitzgerald, how satisfying was it to KO him in his backyard? 

Spike: "The sweetest victory of my career!" 

V: What do you make of Gennady Golovkin, and the hype around him recently? You've said recently you'd fight him, and that you'd also beat him? 

Spike: "He is good, but not unbeatable, I fancy I'd KO him." 

V: In the competitive Middleweight division, who do you think would be your toughest opponent? 

Spike: "GGG that's why I'd like to fight him, I relish a challenge." 

V: Being managed by Ken Casey of Boston rock-band; The Dropkick Murphy's. How on earth did that come about!? 

Spike: "Ken Casey loves boxing and the Irish and I'm the perfect fit, he believes I'll be a World Champion, and the people in Boston love us both, it was a no brainer." 

V: What are you expecting from Betancourt on Saturday, and what should we expect from you? 

Spike: "I expect him to be aggressive, [a] come forward fighter, you can expect a KO from me." 

V: What do you make of James DeGale fighting in the main bout of the card. Will he make British boxing history on the night in your eyes? 

Spike: "I'm delighted to see him fight here he's a very nice fella, I think he will make history, it will be a massive achievement Olympic gold and pro World Champion, totally awesome!" 

V: Would you like a [Billy Joe] Saunders rematch in the future, and, do you think it's something that could happen down the line for a title perhaps? 

Spike: "Yes, he's a great friend of mine now but I think it will happen again for a world title, and we'll both make good money and, I'll win this time!" 

V: When do you think you'll get your reward of a World title shot? 

Spike: "This year." 

V: Living in Ireland, how did supporting West Ham United come about, it must have been brilliant to have fought there in 2012?  

Spike: "My gran Uncle lived near Upton Park and I spent a lot of time in his company growing up." 

V: One more if you don't mind; if you hadn't become a boxer, what would you have done, a tree surgeon perhaps? [Swimming and tree-cutting have been part of his training camp, with funny digs towards Carl Froch, look it up!]

Spike: "No, a swimmer of course ha, ha!" 

SP: Thanks for your time, it's been much appreciated. Be good to speak again soon, until then, all the best for Saturday!

Spike: "My pleasure mate, and thank you, just going to have a rest. Speak soon mate, take care."

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About the author
Stuart Plant
London based sports writer. Recent English Lit + Creative Writing graduate. I love my Boxing, football (West Ham United) and international Rugby.